The $400k Turnaround: God’s Debt-Elimination Blueprint

Lord, I Believe

Prayers for My Wife

Let Us Pray

Living a Life That Matters

When It Feels Like Something Is Missing

The Top 5 Things God Calls You to Steward — and Why Money Comes Last

Living With Power

NOAH: A Message of Faithfulness

Forever Forward in Hope

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch31" data-usfm="PRO.31">
         <div class="label">31</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Sayings of King Lemuel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.31.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The sayings of King Lemuel&#8212;an inspired utterance his mother taught him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.31.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="content">Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Do not spend your strength</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">31:3 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">wealth</span></span></span><span class="content"> on women,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="content">your vigor on those who ruin kings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">It is not for kings, Lemuel&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">it is not for kings to drink wine,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">not for rulers to crave beer,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="content">and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Let beer be for those who are perishing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="content">wine for those who are in anguish!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Let them drink and forget their poverty</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="content">and remember their misery no more.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="content">for the rights of all who are destitute.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Speak up and judge fairly;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="content">defend the rights of the poor and needy.</span></span></div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="fr">31:10 </span><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">Verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content"> A wife of noble character who can find?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="content">She is worth far more than rubies.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Her husband has full confidence in her</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="content">and lacks nothing of value.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">She brings him good, not harm,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="content">all the days of her life.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">She selects wool and flax</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="content">and works with eager hands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">She is like the merchant ships,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="content">bringing her food from afar.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">She gets up while it is still night;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">she provides food for her family</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">and portions for her female servants.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">She considers a field and buys it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="content">out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">She sets about her work vigorously;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="content">her arms are strong for her tasks.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">She sees that her trading is profitable,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="content">and her lamp does not go out at night.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">In her hand she holds the distaff</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="content">and grasps the spindle with her fingers.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">She opens her arms to the poor</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="content">and extends her hands to the needy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">When it snows, she has no fear for her household;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="content">for all of them are clothed in scarlet.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">She makes coverings for her bed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="content">she is clothed in fine linen and purple.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Her husband is respected at the city gate,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="content">where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">She makes linen garments and sells them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="content">and supplies the merchants with sashes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">She is clothed with strength and dignity;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="content">she can laugh at the days to come.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">She speaks with wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="content">and faithful instruction is on her tongue.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">She watches over the affairs of her household</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="content">and does not eat the bread of idleness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Her children arise and call her blessed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="content">her husband also, and he praises her:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;Many women do noble things,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="content">but you surpass them all.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="content">but a woman who fears the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is to be praised.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.31.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Honor her for all that her hands have done,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.31.31"><span class="content">and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkHEB">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="HEB.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Faith in Action</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="HEB.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">This is what the ancients were commended for.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.11.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God&#8217;s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.11.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.11.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: &#8220;He could not be found, because God had taken him away.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:5 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 5:24</span></span></span><span class="content"> For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.11.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="HEB.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="HEB.11.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="HEB.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="HEB.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="HEB.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">By faith Abraham, even though he was too old to have children&#8212;and Sarah herself was not able to conceive&#8212;was enabled to become a father because he</span></span></span><span class="content"> considered him faithful who had made the promise. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="HEB.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="HEB.11.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="HEB.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Instead, they were longing for a better country&#8212;a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.11.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="HEB.11.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">even though God had said to him, &#8220;It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:18 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 21:12</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.11.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.11.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="HEB.11.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="HEB.11.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.11.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph&#8217;s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.11.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.11.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.11.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.11.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">By faith Moses&#8217; parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king&#8217;s edict.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.11.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.11.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh&#8217;s daughter. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="HEB.11.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="HEB.11.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="HEB.11.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king&#8217;s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="HEB.11.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="HEB.11.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="HEB.11.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="HEB.11.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="HEB.11.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="HEB.11.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="HEB.11.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:31 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">unbelieving</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="HEB.11.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="HEB.11.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="HEB.11.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="HEB.11.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="HEB.11.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="HEB.11.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="HEB.11.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">They were put to death by stoning;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:37 </span><span class="ft">Some early manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">stoning; they were put to the test;</span></span></span><span class="content"> they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="HEB.11.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="HEB.11.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="HEB.11.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="HEB.11.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.</span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkHEB">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="HEB.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="HEB.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">God Disciplines His Children</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.12.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="content">&#8220;My son, do not make light of the Lord&#8217;s discipline,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="content">and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.12.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"><span class="content">and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:5,6 </span><span class="ft">Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.12.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="HEB.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="HEB.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">If you are not disciplined&#8212;and everyone undergoes discipline&#8212;then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="HEB.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="HEB.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.12.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="HEB.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Make level paths for your feet,&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:13 </span><span class="ft">Prov. 4:26</span></span></span><span class="content"> so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Warning and Encouragement</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.12.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="HEB.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.12.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="HEB.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="HEB.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">because they could not bear what was commanded: &#8220;If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:20 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 19:12,13</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, &#8220;I am trembling with fear.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:21 </span><span class="ft">See Deut. 9:19.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.12.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.12.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="HEB.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="HEB.12.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, &#8220;Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:26 </span><span class="ft">Haggai 2:6</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="HEB.12.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The words &#8220;once more&#8221; indicate the removing of what can be shaken&#8212;that is, created things&#8212;so that what cannot be shaken may remain.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="HEB.12.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="HEB.12.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="HEB.12.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">for our &#8220;God is a consuming fire.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:29 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 4:24</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkHEB">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="HEB.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Concluding Exhortations</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="HEB.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="HEB.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="HEB.13.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="HEB.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.13.5"><span class="content">&#8220;Never will I leave you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.13.5"><span class="content">never will I forsake you.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:5 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 31:6</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="HEB.13.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So we say with confidence,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.13.6"><span class="content">&#8220;The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.13.6"><span class="content">What can mere mortals do to me?&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">13:6 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 118:6,7</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="HEB.13.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="HEB.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="HEB.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="HEB.13.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="HEB.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="HEB.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="HEB.13.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="HEB.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="HEB.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="HEB.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="HEB.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="HEB.13.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.13.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise&#8212;the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.13.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="HEB.13.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="HEB.13.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.13.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Benediction and Final Greetings</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="HEB.13.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="HEB.13.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.13.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="HEB.13.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="HEB.13.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="HEB.13.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Greet all your leaders and all the Lord&#8217;s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="HEB.13.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="HEB.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Grace be with you all.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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